Hillingdon Centres Achieve Dementia-Friendly Accreditation

Date posted 06 May 2024
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This month GLL Leisure Centres in Hillingdon, including ‘Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex’, ‘Highgrove Pool and Fitness Centre’ and ‘Queensmead Sports Centre’, have recently obtained their dementia-friendly accreditation. On 24th April, Sarah Durner from ‘Hillingdon's Public Health Team’ and Mick Gerathy from ‘Uxbridge Amblers’ delivered training to 12 GLL staff members, all of whom are working in a variety of different roles (Swim Teachers, Concierge, Fitness Instructors and Assistant Managers) at our Hillingdon centres. 

This training was created by the ‘Alzheimer's Society’s- Dementia Friends’ group and is designed to be the biggest ever initiative to change people's perceptions of dementia. The organisation’s aim is to change the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia. Within this training, there were 5 key take away points around dementia:   

  1. It is not a natural part of aging. 
  1. It is caused by diseases of the brain. 
  1. It is not just about memory loss. 
  1. It is possible to live well with dementia.  
  1. There is more to the person than dementia. 

Matthew Bell- Community Sports Manager: “It's been such a useful piece of training for our GLL staff as it allows us to better understand and support our users. We’ve not only been able to learn about Dementia and how to support those in are centres with Dementia but also how to signpost users to some of the other wonderful programmes that Hillingdon Council run. It's also great that we’ve been able to roll out the training to staff from all Hillingdon centres, working across a variety of roles. I'd also like to say a massive thank you to ‘Hillingdon Council’ and ‘Uxbridge Amblers’ for taking the time to deliver this training.” 

This accreditation reflects the centres' commitment to inclusivity and compassion. By ensuring their facilities are welcoming and supportive, they aim to provide a positive experience for individuals living with Dementia, their families and caregivers. As a direct result of this training, plans are now underway to offer Dementia friendly swimming lessons within some of our Hillingdon centres. Moving forward, GLL Leisure Centres in Hillingdon will continue their efforts to foster accessibility and empathy within their communities.